Gov. Robert Bentley meets USA’s first graduate

Rev. Jim Allison's wife Jennifer, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, and Rev. Jim Allison posed for a picture after lunch on Saturday, December 15. Rev. Allison received the first degree awarded by the University of South Alabama at the university's first commencement in 1967. (USA Public Relations)

MOBILE, Alabama- Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley was on his way to deliver the Fall Commencement address at the University of South Alabama recently when he stopped for a quick lunch at the Subway at Government Boulevard and Azalea Road.

While at the restaurant, Bentley by chance met the first graduate of the University, the Rev. Jim Allison. Allison, a long-time United Methodist minister in the Mobile area, is now 82 and received the first degree awarded from USA the first commencement in 1967. USA was founded by an act of Alabama Legislature in 1963 and this year celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

As of the ceremony this month, USA has awarded 73,971 degrees throughout its history.

While Bentley was involved in the first Commencement of USA’s 50th Anniversary year, Allison will be featured during the spring ceremony.